ICL surgery places a soft, biocompatible collamer lens inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of your natural lens, to correct your prescription. Unlike laser, it removes no corneal tissue and is fully reversible, making it the leading choice for high myopia, astigmatism, and eyes whose corneas are too thin for laser — with crisp, high-definition vision and a rapid recovery.
What is ICL surgery?
An implantable collamer lens (often called an implantable contact lens) is a phakic intraocular lens — “phakic” because your natural lens stays in place. The modern EVO ICL is made from collamer, a soft material containing collagen that sits comfortably and invisibly inside the eye. It works like a permanent contact lens you never have to handle, correcting short-sightedness and, with the EVO Toric version, astigmatism.
ICL is especially valuable where laser eye surgery is not ideal — very high prescriptions, thin or irregular corneas, or dry eyes. Because it preserves the natural lens, it keeps your eye's own focusing ability, unlike a refractive lens exchange. Learn more about refractive error.
Your lens options
The right choice depends on your prescription, corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth and age. See also implantable lenses and Presbyond blended vision.
What happens during surgery
ICL surgery is a quick day-case procedure under local anaesthetic with drops, often treating both eyes the same day or a few days apart. After numbing the eye, the surgeon makes a tiny self-sealing opening at the edge of the cornea, gently inserts the folded lens, and positions it behind the iris where it unfolds into place. No tissue is removed and usually no stitches are needed. Each eye takes around 10–15 minutes.
Accurate lens sizing — to achieve the correct “vault” between the ICL and your natural lens — is the single most important factor for a safe result, which is why detailed anterior-segment imaging and an experienced surgeon matter far more than the headline price.
Wondering if ICL is right for your prescription? A refractive assessment will tell you.
Book an ICL consultationRecovery and aftercare
First 24 hours
Vision is often usable within hours and improves quickly. The eye may feel gritty and watery and look a little red. You rest, use prescribed drops and avoid rubbing the eye; arrange for someone to take you home.
First week
Most people return to work and everyday activities within a few days. You use anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops, avoid swimming and eye makeup, and attend a post-op check to confirm the lens position and eye pressure.
Longer term
Vision is stable and high-definition. Routine reviews check the vault and eye health. If your prescription changes in future, or for any other reason, the lens can be removed or exchanged.
How much does ICL cost?
UK 2026 self-pay pricing for ICL surgery is approximately £3,500–£5,000 per eye, with the EVO Toric lens for astigmatism at the higher end. A refractive consultation with anterior-segment scans is from £240. ICL is an elective procedure, so it is not NHS-funded and is generally excluded by private medical insurance. Your fixed written quote is confirmed after assessment and includes the lens, theatre and aftercare. See the full price list or request a personalised quote below.
ICL surgery FAQs
What is ICL surgery?
ICL surgery implants a soft collamer lens inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of your natural lens, to correct your prescription. It works like a permanent contact lens you never handle. Because it removes no corneal tissue and keeps your natural lens, it is a reversible, high-definition alternative to laser eye surgery.
Who is suitable for ICL?
ICL suits adults with a stable prescription, particularly higher degrees of short-sightedness or astigmatism, and people whose corneas are too thin or irregular for laser, or who have dry eyes. Suitability depends on corneal endothelial cell count and anterior chamber depth, confirmed with detailed scans at your assessment.
Is ICL better than laser eye surgery?
Neither is universally better — they suit different eyes. ICL is often preferred for high prescriptions and thinner corneas and preserves corneal tissue, while laser is excellent for low-to-moderate prescriptions with healthy corneas. A refractive assessment compares your options honestly so you choose the best fit for your eyes.
Is ICL surgery reversible?
Yes. A key advantage of the ICL is that it can be removed or exchanged if your needs change in future — something laser, which permanently reshapes the cornea, cannot offer. Your natural lens and corneal tissue are preserved throughout.
What is recovery like after ICL?
Recovery is quick. Vision is often usable within hours and sharpens over the following days, and most people return to work within a few days. You use prescribed drops, avoid rubbing the eye and swimming for a short period, and attend a post-op check to confirm lens position and eye pressure.
How much does ICL cost?
UK 2026 self-pay pricing is approximately £3,500–£5,000 per eye, with EVO Toric lenses for astigmatism at the higher end, plus a refractive consultation from £240. ICL is elective, so it is not NHS-funded and is generally excluded by private medical insurance. You receive a fixed written quote after assessment.